Chapter 333. Do You Belong to a Pack?

Apphia’s POV

“Telepath,” she answers calmly.

The word lands between us with more weight than I expect. It feels heavy, charged, like a stone dropped into still water. Lily rises from her seat with effortless grace and walks toward me, every movement fluid, practiced, regal. She doesn’t rush. She doesn’t hesitate. It’s as though she knows exactly how much space to give me.

“I can read thoughts,” she continues gently, stopping a few steps away. “I can also place thoughts and images into people’s minds if I want to.” She tilts her head slightly, studying my reaction. “But I can’t read yours, Apphia. I’ve tried.”

I stare at her, stunned, my mind scrambling to catch up with her words. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. There is a strange mixture of fear and relief twisting in my chest. Fear, because what she’s